LITMIR.BIZ

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was only a few months away. He would be hanging up his sheriff’s hat about the same time his son was to be born. Then he could be a full-time rancher, wood carver and most important to Nate, a husband and father.

      “Someone has to keep an eye on you guys,” she told him, still miffed that everyone wanted her out of the way while they finished the movie set.

      Her big brother’s attention turned to the new arrival. “Hi, I’m Nate Hunter.” He held out his hand.

      The man shook it. “Reece McKellen.”

      Nate smiled. “We’ve been expecting you.”

      Emily was totally confused. “You’ve hired him?”

      Nate gave her a strange look. “No, sis, Jason did. Remember? The movie’s producer?”

      Emily could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. “I didn’t realize.” She sent him an accusing glance. “You could have said something.”

      If it were any consolation Reece looked just as confused as she did.

      “Em, meet Reece,” Nate continued. “He’s the wrangler and stuntman on the movie. Reece, this is Emily Hunter, the author of Hunter’s Haven.”

      Reece sure didn’t see this one coming. He quickly recovered and tipped his hat, murmuring, “Ma’am.” Then he turned headed back to the truck. So the Good Time Café waitress was also the screenwriter and author Emily Hunter. Just Great. Not that he had any hangups working with a woman, but there was no denying that there were sparks between them and that could mean trouble. If he let it. He shook away the thought. No way. He had to concentrate on just two things, this stunt job and his new role as Sophie’s parent.

      He opened the truck door and realized that even with the air going it was still warm inside. So was his niece.

      “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her out of her seat in the truck and onto the grass. Then reached in the cooler he always kept in the cab and took out a bottle of water. After he made sure that Sophie drank enough, he took some himself.

      He’d always liked movie work, and he was good at his job. The one positive thing about his time in foster care was he’d been sent to live on a ranch. He’d taken to horses immediately and as long as he’d gotten his chores done, he’d been allowed to ride. As he gotten older, he’d become somewhat of an expert rider, and one of the best around to do horse stunts.

      According to the director of this movie, Trent Justice, this movie’s stunts would be a piece of cake. Just some fast riding scenes and saving the leading lady, Jennifer Tate, from a runaway horse.

      Not for the first time Reece wondered if this particular job was more trouble than it was worth. Maybe it would be too much of a hassle to work while Sophie was still adjusting to her mother’s death. Would it be better if he cut his losses and headed to Texas? He could get a job as a ranch manager. Though it wouldn’t pay as well as stunt work, he could put a stable roof over Sophie’s head.

      And there would be no Emily Hunter to distract him. She was the kind of woman who could cause him to lose his focus. She might even make him think about completing his family. Not that his track record had been good when it came to relationships. It seemed every person he’d come to care about left him one way or another. He tightened his grip on Sophie’s hand. He wasn’t going to lose her.

      Reece turned to see the movie’s screenwriter heading his way. His gut tightened. No denying she was one good-looking lady, and he definitely needed to stay cool. She was Hollywood bound. A career woman. And after this movie, he was leaving Hollywood behind to make a home for Sophie. He released a long breath.

      Life sure would be simpler if she was still only the pretty waitress at the Good Time Café….

      Chapter Two

      Thanks to our neighbors, the barn is finally built. And if the weather holds, I promised Becky I would start the cabin. Although, she deserves to live in a stately mansion, she said all she wants is a home right here, with me.

      Jacob’s Journal

      “Why didn’t you say you were associated with the movie?” Emily asked as she stood in front of the truck.

      “I could ask you the same thing,” Reece countered, helping Sophie drink some water. “Also why are you moonlighting as a waitress?”

      “I was just helping out. Sam Price, the owner, is a family friend.”

      Before he could say anything else, Nate appeared behind her. “Tell the truth, sis,” her brother began and looked at Reece. “Emily decided the set builders would finish faster if she made herself scarce.”

      “That’s right. You and Shane didn’t run me off, it was my decision to help Sam.”

      “And it was a good choice,” Nate teased, then glanced down at the child. “We weren’t expecting any of the crew for a few days, but Jason mentioned this morning that you might show up early to check out the terrain. Who’s your friend?”

      “My niece, Sophie,” Reece said. “She recently came to live with me…permanently.”

      Nate knelt down to be eye level with her. “Hi, Sophie. I’m Emily’s brother, Nate.”

      Emily watched as the child’s eyes lowered shyly. The little girl’s arm latched tighter on to her uncle’s leg.

      Emily’s heart went out to the forlorn looking girl. It was obvious she’d been through some kind of tragedy…but to lose both parents. She knew all too well what it felt like to lose someone you loved. Even after a dozen years, she still missed her father.

      Emily shook away the memories and put on a smile. “Sophie, remember me?”

      The child raised her eyes and nodded. Just that slight response tickled Emily. “How about you and I go up to the house and have some lemonade and cookies while your uncle tends to his horses?”

      Emily looked at Reece for permission. “There’s no need for you to feel you have to watch her.” Reece said.

      Emily took Sophie’s hand. “Since I’m not needed at the movie set until tomorrow, Sophie will be doing me a favor. And since you need to take care of those beautiful animals, your niece and I can entertain each other.” She glanced at the child. “What do you say, Sophie? You want to go with me?”

      Sophie turned her big brown eyes on her uncle and saw him nod. “It’s okay. I’ll come and get you just as soon as I care for Toby and Shadow.”

      Holding on to her raggedy bear with one hand, and with the other in Emily’s, the two started off toward the house.

      Reece watched them walk away. He should be happy that his niece was responding to someone. Except that it could be a problem. Sophie could get too attached, and their time in Haven was only going to be temporary. Reece remembered too well how much it hurt when he’d gotten too attached to a person when he was growing up. He couldn’t stand that happening to Sophie.

      “She’ll be okay,” Nate said.

      Reece came out of his reverie. “What did you say?”

      “I can assure you that my sister is good with kids. It’s men she’s been known to be hard on.” A friendly grin appeared. “I guess my brother Shane and I had something to do with that. We used to tease her, but she gave back as good as she got.”

      Reece didn’t want to hear about Emily Hunter’s attributes. He had to stay focused on the reason he was here. The money he’d make would go a long way in helping him to achieve his goal of buying his own ranch.

      Shadow whinnied and Reece returned to the present and his responsibilities. “Would you mind if I let the horses loose in your corral? It’s been a long trip.”

      “Sure, let me help,” Nate said as they walked to the animals. “I hear you’re from California. Do you

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